The Milwaukee Post

230130180 February 1, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 3 Committee recommends appointment to Fire and Police Commision MILWAUKEE – A committee within the Milwaukee Common Council has recommended adding a seventh member to the much-scrutinized Fire and Police Commission, following extensive deliberation at a meeting last week. Mayor Tom Barrett recommended appointing Ann Wilson to the commission – a maneuver that comes at a time of public outcry for greater transparency in the composition of members sitting on the body, which acts independently of the Common Council. Barrett has authority to name appointments to the position, but the council needs to consummate the process by confirming the mayor's recommendation. The Public Safety Committee, a fiveperson group consisting of aldermen throughout the city, reviewed Barrett's appointment at its meeting, which exceeded two-and-a-half hours. During the meeting, public comment was taken. Wilson, who works for the City of Milwaukee's Housing Authority, gave a brief presentation to the committee and explained her reasons for wanting to be part of the Fire and Police Commission. In addition to her work as a city employee, Wilson also has been involved with her church and a number of philanthropic and civic organizations. "Most of my adult life has been dedicated to making (Milwaukee) a better place," Wilson said. "But for some time, I've been concerned about the relationship between the community and the police department." Wilson said she believed she could bring a new perspective to the commission, further stating that she had "the utmost respect" for the thousands of professional law enforcement officers and firefighters within the city . Most of the public testimony was in favor of Wilson's appointment to the board. But a broader discussion about the appointment process caused some concern with speakers and members of the Public Safety Committee. 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The Natural Pet Limit 3 99¢ All Natural Baby Back Pork Ribs $ 49 lb. 18.5 to 29.5 Original 230130201 By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post Osterman said Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission was the first such independent body formed in Wisconsin, born out of a law passed in Madison in 1885. Upon its inception, there were four members who handled such responsibilities as testing candidates and setting standards within both departments. Over time, the size and scope of commissioners' responsibilities was broadened. By 2008, a change was made to allow for seven to nine members to serve on the commission. Michael Tobin, executive director of the Fire and Police Commission, said members of the body have aimed to represent the interests of all city stakeholders, pointing out that public comment is taken at each meeting. But Alderman Joe Davis, who serves on the Public Safety Committee, said the maneuver in and of itself is not enough. Davis pointed to a 2006 provision that stated commissioners need to reach out to members of the black, Hispanic, Asian and LGBT communities. "Individual commissioners should be meeting with individual community groups," Davis said. "You don't use a public comment period to say you meet that qualification." While the five aldermen sitting on the Public Safety Committee agreed a greater vetting process needs to be taken in advance of the mayor's appointments, support for Wilson and her qualifications was widespread. The committee, on a 4-1 vote, agreed to present a recommended confirmation to the full Common Council at 9 a.m. Tuesday If the committee's recommenda. tion is approved, Wilson will officially serve as a seventh member on the Fire and Safety Commission. Alderman Robert Bauman was the sole dissenter, stating, "This is too important for it to just be business as usual." Tombstone Pizzas 4/$ 10 Hass Jumbo Avocados 79¢ ea. 3 lb. Sweet Premium Strawberries $ 99 1 lb. 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